Denavir

Generic Name: penciclovir topical
Other Brand Names: penciclovir topical

What is penciclovir topical?

Penciclovir is an antiviral medication.

Penciclovir is used topically for the treatment of recurrent cold sores.

Penciclovir topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking penciclovir topical?

Penciclovir topical is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use penciclovir topical during pregnancy without first talking to your doctor.

It is not known whether penciclovir topical passes into breast milk. Do not use penciclovir topical if you are breast-feeding a baby without first talking to your doctor.

How should I take penciclovir topical?

Use penciclovir topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Penciclovir topical should be applied to cold sore lesions every 2 hours while awake for a period of four days, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Penciclovir topical should be used to treat cold sores on the lips and face only.

For best results, treatment with penciclovir topical should begin as soon as possible after symptoms appear.

Do not apply penciclovir topical to the inside of the nose or in or near the eyes, as it may cause irritation.

Store penciclovir topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of penciclovir topical?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and use only your next regularly scheduled dose.

Where can I get more information about penciclovir topical?
Your pharmacist has information about penciclovir topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of penciclovir topical?

Serious side effects have not been reported with the use of penciclovir topical.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use penciclovir topical and talk to your doctor if you experience:

  • headache;

  • local numbness or tingling where the cream is applied;

  • changes in taste;

  • rash; or

  • irritation at the application site.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about penciclovir topical?

Do not apply penciclovir topical to the inside of the nose or in or near the eyes, as it may cause irritation.

For best results, treatment with penciclovir topical should begin as soon as possible after symptoms appear.

What should I avoid while taking penciclovir topical?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with penciclovir topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect penciclovir topical?

Do not use other topical medications to treat the same area at them same time as penciclovir topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

No other medicines have been reported to interact with penciclovir topical. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications during treatment with penciclovir topical.

What happens if I have an overdose of penciclovir topical?

An overdose of penciclovir topical is unlikely to threaten life. If an excessive amount of the cream has been used, or if the cream has been ingested, contact a poison control center or an emergency room for advice.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008